Shielding gases are welding gases that are used in different compositions and mixing ratios in order to achieve the best welding result. Without shielding gas, the oxygen from the atmosphere would react with the hot metals, resulting in corrosion or burning that would reduce the quality. A differentiation is made between inert shielding gases (MIG) and active shielding gases (MAG). In metal active gas (MAG) welding, mixed gases of Argon and CO2 or Argon and O2 are used.

Argon welding gas is one of the most commonly used shielding gases. The shielding gas Argon 18 is composed of 82 percent Argon and carbon dioxide. For aluminium welding, the shielding gas Argon 4.6 is used which has a similarly high percentage of Argon. With Helium-Argon mixtures, weld seams have a particularly high quality.

Ferroline shielding gas especially for MAG welding

Ferroline shielding gas has been developed especially for MAG welding of unalloyed and low-alloy steels. The very good welding characteristics at medium welding speed protect the arc and the weld pool from contact with atmospheric gases. The use of MAG shielding gas results in significantly less spatter and smoke during welding, and the deposition of slag on the weld seam is considerably reduced. Ferroline is suitable for all welding positions, arc types, standard and pulsed arcs.

Shielding gas consumption – Which shielding gas quantity is required?

The shielding gas consumption for the short arc (KLB) at 150 A is about 12 to 15 l/min. For the spray and pulse arc, the quantity increases at 300 A to 15 to 18 l/min and for the high power arc at 350 A to 20 to 25 l/min. The amount of shielding gas required in each case can be regulated by using a pressure gauge with flow control or a flow meter.

Buy shielding gas – What cylinder size is needed?

Shielding gas cylinders are available in different sizes. Common sizes are 5 l, 10 l, 20 l and 50 l. Besides the contents, the weight and the price are decisive when you buy shielding gas. Smaller shielding gas cylinders weigh less and the transport is easier. Larger cylinders are correspondingly heavier but the price per litre is considerably lower.